CUPE to Host 24th National Convention in Montreal

MONTREAL,QUEBEC–-(Marketwire – Oct.2, 2009) - On Monday, October 5, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)will commence its 24th national convention at the Palais des congresde Montreal. Over 2,000 delegates from across Canada are expected to attend.

The four-dayconvention will feature keynote addresses from major labour and politicalleaders including CUPE National President Paul Moist, CUPE NationalSecretary-Treasurer Claude Genereux, Canadian Labour Congress President KenGeorgetti, Canadian Auto Workers President Ken Lewenza, Federal NDP Leader JackLayton and Aboriginal human rights activist Michele Rouleau.

The conventionwill also host international guests from Burma, South Africa, the UnitedKingdom, Cuba and Colombia.

Since CUPE's lastconvention, working people have endured one of the worst recessions since the1930s. The focus of this year's convention will be on strengthening unity andsolidarity among workers and labour groups across the country.

"Even as someeconomists declare the end of the recession, a tough bargaining climate willremain for working people," says CUPE National President Paul Moist. "Thisyear's convention will be a time to rededicate ourselves to defending freecollective bargaining rights, protecting and expanding pension coverage, andfighting privatization. CUPE is part of a strong and energetic labour movement.We know it can be done"